Range of licensing reforms expected for April

While the consultation continues on the controversial late-night levy (LNL) and early morning restriction orders (EMROs), expected to be implemented later this year, other significant reforms are in line for April.

Among the new measures expected to come into force next month are a doubling of the fine for persistent underage sales to £20,000, making it easier to shut down businesses found to be persistently selling alcohol to those under 18, and increases in the period of voluntary closure, as an alternative to a fine, from 48 to 336 hours.

The scope of who can make representations about licensing decisions is also to be extended, with health bodies to be made “responsible authorities” so they are automatically notified about new premises applications. Local residents will also have a greater say over these decisions with the scrapping of the ‘vicinity test’, meaning anyone can make representations regardless of whether they live close to the premises concerned.

In addition, licensing authorities will be given greater powers under the Licensing Act 2003 to remove licences from premises without first waiting for the police or other authority. Temporary event notices (TENs) are to be reformed with the most significant change allowing environmental health authorities to object to a TEN.

A Home Office spokesperson said: “The Government has committed to reduce the social harms associated with excessive alcohol consumption. That is why we are overhauling the licensing regime to tackle drink-fuelled violence and disorder.

“From April we will start to introduce tough new measures in the Police Reform & Social Responsibility Act to give more powers to local communities and crack down on problem premises.”